INGO

World Education in the Lao PDR

Mission Statement

World Education Laos is dedicated to supporting rural and community develpoment in nine unexploded-ordnance-arrected provinces through implementing a UXO education program; and paying for treatment for UXO survvivors through the establishment of the War Victims Medical Fund that is co-managed by World Education and Lao provincial Departments of Health.

Programme Description

WEL trains emergency medical personnel in clinical, diagnostic and management skills so they can better provide services to victims of UXO accidents and other people with disabilities.

2. Surviviors Assistance

WEL provides training in livelihioods development to UXO accident survivors and their families. Workshops are offered in livestock care, weaving sericulture, business, English, and other skills. Participants receive small grants to start their new businesses.

WEL established the War Victims Medical Fund (WVMF), which covers the cost of medical treatment for victims of UXO accidents, in seven provinces of Laos. The WVMF is overseen by working groups including the Department of Heal representatives and hospital staff.

3. Education and Awareness Program

WEL trains teachers and school administrators to instruct students about UXO using a specially-designed curriculum and participatory, student-centered techniques, including the use of creative arts and puppetry workshops.

In addition, WEL has been engaged in saving and credit activities since 1998. Currently, WEL is implementing a three-year microfinance project in Saravan Province targeting some of the poorest villages with a consumer-owned Saving and Credit Union (SCU). The project is supported with technical assistance by World Education Australia.

In each of these programs, World Education Laos works in partnership with corresponding Government of Laos agencies including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Sport and National Regulatory Authority.

Programming for Sustainable Development

World Education's UXO-related programs reinforce principles essential to sustainable development in Laos

1. Capacity building.

WEL's approach emphasizes building the skills and knowledge of all partners, including government counterparts. Using a training-of-trainers system and regular follow-up, WEL teaches experienced medical personnel to train new doctors and nurses; teaches school principles to train new teachers; and teaches government staff how to support and direct the programs they oversee

2. Economic development

When a community member attends a livelihoods workshop or invests in a SCU, she gains the opportunity to improve her own economic status. Many participants who have completed WEL's livelihood training workshops have reinvested their initial grants and successfully incread their income. Individuals who keep saving accounts reduce their vulnerability to climatic, life cycle and economic shocks